Four-stroke diesel valve timing — exhaust event specifics For a typical four-stroke cycle diesel engine, which timing most closely represents the exhaust valve event relative to dead centres (DC)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Opens at 30° before bottom dead centre (BBDC) and closes at 10° after top dead centre (ATDC)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Valve timing in four-stroke engines is optimized for gas exchange and efficiency, not set strictly at dead centres. Understanding typical opening/closing angles helps in diagnosing performance and emissions behavior.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Conventional naturally aspirated or turbocharged diesel.
  • Cam phasing aimed at effective blow-down and scavenging.
  • Angles are representative values; exact numbers vary by design.


Concept / Approach:
Exhaust opens before BDC during the power stroke to start blow-down, reducing cylinder pressure before the piston rises on the exhaust stroke. Closing slightly after TDC ensures complete scavenging and overlap with intake valve opening for better cylinder emptying, especially at higher speeds.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Power stroke nearing BDC: open exhaust early (~30–60° BBDC) to release pressure.Piston rises on exhaust stroke: flow continues out.Close after TDC (~5–20° ATDC) to allow final scavenging and overlap with intake opening.Therefore, the typical pair 30° BBDC / 10° ATDC is the best fit among the choices.


Verification / Alternative check:
OEM timing charts commonly show early exhaust opening and slight after-TDC closing; exact degrees depend on speed/load targets and turbo matching.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Opening ABDC or closing BTDC (Option B) would impair blow-down. Exact BDC/TDC events (Option C) are unrealistic. Option D ignores the critical role of tuned overlap and phasing.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming gasoline and diesel timings are identical; trends are similar but optimized differently for combustion and turbocharging.


Final Answer:
Opens at 30° before bottom dead centre (BBDC) and closes at 10° after top dead centre (ATDC)

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